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Nov152016

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the need to abolish the Electoral College. Feinstein first introduced a resolution to abolish the Electoral College in 2005.

“Our system of government is rooted in the principle of one person, one vote. Now that the loser of the popular vote has won the presidential election twice in 16 years, it’s clear that the Electoral College does not adhere to that principle and should be abolished. Secretary Clinton is currently winning the popular vote by more than 1 million votes—a lead that could grow as high as 2 million.

“The Electoral College was created as a compromise between large and small states, giving disproportionate weight to voters in smaller states. It initially granted inordinate representation to Southern states, which counted slaves as three-fifths of a person to gain additional seats in Congress, while denying those same people fundamental freedoms including the right to vote. Simply put, it’s past time to do away with this archaic system.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue in the next Congress. Long odds should not dissuade us from fighting to make sure our democracy accurately reflects the will of the voters.”